Novel multi-analyte optical computing system

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to methods of high-speed analysis of product samples. Light is directed to a portion of a product under analysis and reflected from or transmitted through the product toward a plurality of optical detectors. Signals from the detectors are compared with a reference signal based on a portion of the illuminating light passing through a reference element to determine characteristics of the product under analysis. The products under analysis may be stationary, moved by an inspection point by conveyor or other means, or may be contained within a container, the container including a window portion through which the product illuminating light may pass.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 856,191 filed Nov. 2, 2006, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60 / 921,217 filed Mar. 30, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present subject matter relates to improvements related to system design, fabrication and operation of multivariate optical elements. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to methodologies of using multivariate optical computing systems to illuminate a sample in which information about the sample can be analyzed from the reflected or transmitted light in real time or near real time.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Light conveys information through data. When light interacts with matter, for example, it carries away information about the physical and chemical properties of the matter. A property of the light, for ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about an improved method for inspecting and monitoring multiple samples of products, such as pharmaceutical tablets or powders, as they move past an inspection point. The method involves using a spectral-specific light to illuminate the sample and collect information about it through a chopper wheel and detector. The detector produces different signals for each element in the chopper wheel, which are used to determine properties of the sample portion as it moves past the inspection point. The method can inspect and monitor samples at high speed, with a rate of one sample per second to five samples per second. The patent also mentions that the method can be used for various products, such as food materials, chemicals, liquids, gases, emulsions, solutions, and mixtures.

Problems solved by technology

In general, a simple measurement of light intensity is difficult to convert to information because it likely contains interfering data.

It is often impossible to adequately measure the data relating to one of these factors since the contribution of the other factors is unknown.

Depending on the circumstances, however, the estimate may be unacceptably inaccurate since factors other than ethylene may affect the intensity of the wavelength bands.

Unfortunately, however, charge couple devices and their required operational instrumentation are very expensive.

Furthermore, the devices are sensitive to environmental conditions.

The power requirements, cooling requirements, cost, complexity and maintenance requirements of these systems have made them impractical in many applications.

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